Our community optometrists are committed to delivering a specialised service known as the Minor Eye Condition Service (MECS). This service ensures that patients receive timely and appropriate care from the right professionals, in the right place. The goal is to manage conditions within the primary care setting whenever it is safely feasible, thus minimising unnecessary referrals to hospitals. What is MECS? MECS is designed to address minor eye conditions and is primarily delivered by community optometrists. While not an exhaustive list, the service covers a range of primary care treatable conditions, including: Sudden or recent onset of blurred vision (considering the appropriateness of a sight test) Ocular pain or discomfort Systematic diseases affecting the eye Red-eye (with a differential diagnosis) Foreign body and emergency contact lens removal (excluding fitting practitioners) Dry eye/painful eye Epiphora (watery eye) Trichiasis (in-growing eyelashes) Differential diagnosis of lumps and bumps near the eye Recent onset of Diplopia Flashes/floaters Retinal lesions Service user reported field defects. How do I make an appointment? The availability of MECS varies by location. Not all areas in England have commissioned the Minor Eye Conditions Scheme. To check how the scheme operates in your area and identify participating opticians, reach out to CHEC directly to enquire. Patient Testimonials Thrilled I am thrilled with my 1st eye surgery and even happier to hear from head office the day after my post-cataract check offering me an appointment for my second eye surgery, especially after being told it may be 6-8 weeks. Everyone is friendly, and I can’t… Anonymous Very pleased I am very pleased with the service at CHEC, it is absolutely first-class. From the receptionists, the way I was treated and having the operation done was good. Since having the operation my vision has been very good. Anonymous Thank you Thank you to everyone for making Brian’s cataract operation go so smoothly, together with your kindness and support, we are sure Brian will be well on track soon to be able to see where his golf ball lands again. I will then be a golfing widow… Anonymous Highly satisfied I had a cataract removed July of last year, very successful and the staff were excellent. I recently returned this July for a follow-up appointment, again the staff were excellent, but have to commend the young receptionist for her friendliness and manner, in which she welcomed… Diane Mellows Fantastic experience The whole process has been very fast and exceeded my expectations. The staff are all very friendly and professional. I am very pleased with CHEC Northampton. Anonymous Great practice I’m amazed by the quick, efficient service and ecstatic about the results. I now see car number plates, road signs, and TV text bright and clearly, with everything appearing detailed. This is the best birthday present ever. Thank you so much, please don’t change a thing. Marian Curran